Monthly Archives: October 2018

Vasectomy Procedures Predicted to Increase By 30 Percent in 2019 | Minneapolis & St. Paul

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As the sixth annual World Vasectomy Day quickly approaches, it’s no surprise that more men around the world are becoming increasingly informed about vasectomy options and family planning. With vasectomy global awareness rapidly rising, it’s only a matter of time before we see a spike in procedures performed.
 
VasectomyStore.com, a New York “web-based surgical instrument and information store” that has promoted vasectomies for over two decades, recently predicted that US doctors will see a whopping 30 percent increase in vasectomy procedures in 2019. As public perceptions and knowledge of male contraception slowly change, more men and couples are expected to consider the underutilized vasectomy procedure.

“Vasectomy has experienced a popularity surge in recent years,” the company said in a statement. “It’s partly the economy but also events like World Vasectomy Day that really spotlight the value of men taking responsibility in family planning.”

World Vasectomy Day celebrates responsible men who rise up out of love for their partner, their family and our future. Please join One Stop Medical Center in supporting this movement—our clinic will offer a gift card for one free large pizza to all patients who undergo a vasectomy on November 14, 2018.

For more information on our clinic’s vasectomy services, please click here or call us at (952) 922-2151.

 

Robot-Assisted Vasectomy Reversals: Are They Reliable? | Minneapolis & St. Paul

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From self-order kiosks to robot vacuum cleaners and robot cafes, the rise of robot-assisted experiences in recent years has been undeniable. But would you ever consider participating in a robot-assisted surgical procedure?

In a previous blog post, we detailed the pros and cons of electing a robotic vasectomy reversal over a traditional vasectomy reversal performed by a surgeon. While a robot would provide more precise cuts and deliver a more efficient process overall, actual results seemed to show that patient outcomes were simply comparable to, rather than improved from, those of traditional reversals. And since robot machines are quite expensive, most surgical centers are sticking to traditional reversals for the time being.
 
However, costs aside, it’s still noteworthy to highlight the reliability and effectiveness of robot-assisted vasectomy reversals. A 2014 study conducted by urologist Parviz K. Kavoussi concluded that “transitioning from MVR (microsurgical vasectomy reversal) to RAVR (robot-assisted vasectomy reversal) is feasible with comparable outcomes.”
 
Comparing 27 men who elected MVR and 25 men who elected RAVR, Kavoussi found that there was “no statistically significant difference” between the two groups in “overall patency rates (89 percent vs 92 percent), six weeks post-VR mean sperm concentrations (28 million ml−1 vs 26 million ml−1), total motile counts (29 million vs 30 million) or mean operative times (141 min vs 150 min).”

Interestingly, the study also found that for men who were in the 0–8 years obstructed interval, RAVR had a 100 percent patency rate compared to an 89 percent patency rate for MVR. This particular finding could be a game changer in the development of robotic vasectomy reversals and significantly influence some patients’ preferred techniques.

As more research on robot-assisted procedures surfaces in the coming years, we may see shifts in how doctors and patients perceive such methods. One thing’s for certain, though—the use of robots in everyday life will surely become more common than ever.

 

Celebrate World Vasectomy Day on Nov. 14 With One Stop Medical Center | Minneapolis & St. Paul

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From Bali to Kenya to Mexico, the World Vasectomy Day (WVD) movement has rapidly spread across the globe with the crucial mission of engaging men in family planning conversations. This year’s WVD celebration, held in Kigali, Rwanda, on November 14, is set to feature the movement’s most comprehensive and innovative event lineup to date.

By teaming up with local NGOs and the Rwanda Ministry of Health, WVD aims to not only provide high-quality vasectomies to men whose families are complete, but to also promote family planning through a broad media campaign. This dynamic, exciting two-week lineup showcases everything from doctor training programs and vasectomy-focused lectures to a reproductive health fair and an all-day vasectomy-athon.

Dr. Shu and One Stop Medical Center are proud to support WVD for a sixth straight year. Our clinic will offer a gift card for one free large pizza to all patients who undergo a vasectomy on November 14, 2018. Through our collaboration efforts, we hope to make vasectomies more accessible worldwide while helping more men explore family planning options.

World Vasectomy Day celebrates responsible men who rise up out of love for their partner, their family and our future. Please join us in supporting this movement.

 

8 Foods That Boost Sperm Health and Male Fertility | Minneapolis & St. Paul

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If you’re trying to conceive, good diet and nutrition habits are essential for healthy sperm development. While overall sperm count is an important aspect of male fertility, the sheer number of sperm shouldn’t be the only factor considered. Sperm vitality is what we’re after, so the following must all be factored in:

  • Sperm Count: The number and concentration of sperm cells in a sample

  • Semen Volume: A minimum amount of semen needed to actually deliver the sperm cells

  • Sperm Morphology: The size and shape of sperm cells

  • Sperm Motility: Ability of the sperm cells to properly “swim”

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    To improve sperm quality and boost your chances of conception, eat more of the eight nutrition-packed foods below:

    1. Walnuts

    Walnuts are PACKED with omega-3 fatty acids and zinc. While omega-3 helps enhance sperm count, morphology and motility, zinc works to regulate overall sperm count and quality. Just one handful of walnuts daily can help boost sperm quality.

    2. Tomatoes

    We detailed the link between tomatoes and male fertility in a previous post and continue to stand by this food’s high amount of Vitamin C and lycopene. Lycopene has been shown to improve sperm motility and can be found more in cooked tomatoes.

    3. Green, leafy vegetables

    Spinach, romaine lettuce, brussels sprouts, asparagus—they’re full of folate, a B vitamin linked to healthy sperm DNA and higher sperm densities.

    4. Fish

    Fish and seafood contain lots of Vitamin B-12, a nutrient that enhances sperm motility, increases sperm count and reduces damage to sperm DNA. Fish also provides Vitamin D and the antioxidant Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).

    5. Dark Chocolate

    In addition to tasting great, dark chocolate can help increase sperm volume and sperm count. After consumption, the chocolate transforms into nitric oxide, which promotes sperm function.
     
    6. Meat/Poultry

    Meat and poultry contain an amino acid known as D-aspartic acid, which is believed to help regulate testosterone. There’s research suggesting that sodium D-aspartic acid supplements can increase sperm count and motility.

    7. Lentils

    Just like green vegetables, lentils are rich in folate. Men with lower folate intakes have been shown to have higher rates of sperm chromosomal abnormalities.

    8. Ginseng

    It has long been believed that ginseng root and ginseng supplements can improve sperm development. Ginsenoside, an active ingredient in ginseng, may stimulate nitric oxide production, and men who take ginseng supplements appear to have higher sperm counts and increased sperm motility.